Mumbai: As voices of dissent against the proposed west coast refinery-cum-petrochemical plant increase, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) joined the chorus with party chief Raj Thackeray set to meet the protesting villagers at Rajapur in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district. All political parties, except the Bharatiya Janata Party, have already announced their support to the locals. Shiv Sena, BJP’s ally and a partner in state and central government, too has echoed opposition to the project.
“He will be interacting with villagers on the issue of setting up of chemical refinery and allegations of forceful acquisition of the land for the project. He will be announcing his position on Saturday after speaking with the locals,” said Anil Shidore, senior MNS leader who is accompanying Mr. Thackeray.
“We had approached Mr. Thackeray with our demands, like we did to all political parties. He had sent his representative in December to have discussions with the locals. He also wanted to interact with us personally. We expect him to understand the reality and come out in our support,” said Satyajit Chavan, convener, Konkan Vinashkari Prakalp Virodhi Samiti. The proposed refinery is expected to bring investment worth ₹1.5 to ₹2 lakh crore. While Indian Oil Corporation will have 50% stake, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) will have 25% stake respectively. The government is currently acquiring land for the project.
Politicaly, Sena has declared its opposition to acquire the land using force. Sena leader and Environment Minister Ramdas Kadam has claimed that no forceful acquisition will take place and the project will happen only if the people want it. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and Lok Sabha MP Supriya Sule too had held meetings with the locals and party leaders have expressed their opposition to the project. Congress’ local leadership too has sounded concerns over the manner in which government is pushing the project.
